Interesting article. But why calling those structures "temples"? It might sound catchy now, but won't this eventually lead to new forms of hidden/masked religions like Scientology etc? There is definitely need for awe in todays society. And there are actually many things that provide just that - night sky, education, museums etc etc. Curious person is awed all the time. Trying to awe people just by awesome structure (eventhough it has the scientific base) is not far away from medieval people being awed by cathedrals. Awe is not enough, the curiosity of what process lies behind this awe is the crucial thing.
There is confusion going on amongst religious people lately - some of them argue that atheism is actually form of religion too. That is of course nonsense and absolute misunderstanding of the whole idea. Building "temples for atheists" will just strenghten this false view and totally dissolve the very definition of atheism. Atheism does not need to convert people on it's side.

designing and building something to pose questions rather than provide solutions is a ridiculous concept and waste of resources. why not just post the questions on a blog or a piece of paper? a building with no purpose is nonsensical.

secular temples/shrines exist all over the U.S. and around the world. in a specific building design, you can consider Masonic lodges as an example. in a more general sense, you can consider a park or some natural environment as a temple/shrine.

as far as I understand, there is really no debate to be had. maybe an enlightened atheist or theist can reveal some hidden logic here that I am missing. i hope this project is being funded by a profligate rather than public funding

There is certainly a debate to be had, I think it's things of this nature that are often so easily dismissed - but have tremendously powerful effects on our culture and society.

Creating open spaces for contemplation, awe, and thought is at least in my immediate though processes quite an appealing idea. Any immediate or longterm benefit aside - the mentality and atmosphere such design perpetuates is worth a certain cost.